How do I start my own Negotiation Club?

Step 1: Define Your Negotiation Club’s Purpose

Before launching your club, think about what you want to achieve. Some key questions to consider:

• Is your club for you business, professionals, students, entrepreneurs, or a mix of participants?
• Will the focus be on business negotiations, sales, procurement, or general life skills?
• Do you want a formal structure (with scheduled training) or a more casual practice group?

Having a clear objective will help attract like-minded people and ensure your sessions are productive.

Step 2: Gather Interest & Find Members

A negotiation club works best when you have a diverse group of people willing to engage in practical exercises. Here’s how to recruit members:

• Personal Network: Invite colleagues, friends, or classmates interested in negotiation.
• Social Media: Post about your club on LinkedIn, Facebook, or professional groups.
• Local Businesses & Universities: If your club is location-based, reach out to local organisations, student unions, and business hubs.
• Event Platforms: Use Meetup.com or Eventbrite to attract people in your area.

TIP: Start small ... a group of 4 to 8 members is enough to get going.

Step 3: Set Up Your First Meeting

Your first session should be simple and engaging. Here’s a structure to follow:

1. Introduction: Explain the purpose of the club and why negotiation skills matter.
2. Short Theory Segment: Keep this brief—negotiation is about practice, not lectures!
3. First Practice Exercise: Use a simple one-variable negotiation (e.g., price negotiation) to get started.
4. Reflection & Discussion: Encourage members to share their thoughts and observations.
5. Plan Next Steps: Discuss when and how often you’ll meet.

For structure and guidance, you can use The Negotiation Club’s practice cards to create engaging, real-world scenarios.

Step 4: Choose a Format That Works for You

There are many ways to run a negotiation club, so pick a format that suits your group:

• In-Person Meetings: Meet weekly or monthly at a set venue. Ideal for universities, co-working spaces, or offices.
• Online Sessions: Use Zoom or Microsoft Teams for virtual negotiations, sharing results via Google Sheets.
• Hybrid Approach: Combine online prep work with in-person meetups.

A typical session lasts 60-90 minutes and includes multiple short negotiation rounds.

Step 5: Use the Right Tools & Resources

A great negotiation club provides structured practice. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Negotiation Cards – Predefined scenarios with key variables (available from The Negotiation Club).
• Google Sheets or Whiteboards – Track agreements, review decisions, and share insights.
• Role Assignments – Rotate roles (e.g., negotiator, observer, note-taker) to enhance learning.

Step 6: Keep the Momentum Going

To keep engagement high, your club should:

✅ Rotate Topics & Scenarios – Cover salary negotiations, business deals, conflict resolution, and more.

✅ Invite Guest Speakers – Bring in professionals to share experiences and insights.

✅ Track Progress – Encourage members to reflect on improvements and challenges.

✅ Host Special Events – Organise negotiation competitions or team-based challenges.

The key to success is regular practice—the more you negotiate, the more confident you’ll become.

Step 7: Join the Global Negotiation Club Community

Starting your own club is just the beginning! Connect with The Negotiation Club to:

🔹 Access exclusive negotiation exercises & materials.

🔹 Join global practice sessions & competitions.

🔹 Receive guidance on running engaging negotiation meetings.

Whether you’re starting a small local group or a corporate training initiative, we can help you make your club a success.

Interested? Let’s talk.... 

New to Negotiation Practice...

If you haven’t participated in a Negotiation Club workshop or attended a Taster Session, we recommend making this your first step. The Taster Session is a fantastic way to experience negotiation practice firsthand—at no cost and with no commitment. It’s the perfect opportunity to understand how the club works, connect with like-minded professionals, and see the value of practice in action.